Heroin, one of the most powerful and deadly opioids in the world, is also one of the most addictive. Notably 86% report that heroin use in urban areas began with prescription opioids and then moved on to heroin. A heroin addiction can lead to physical deterioration and severe health problems within a matter of weeks. To quit heroin, you must be able to withhold your use for at least two weeks.
Morphine dependence is rare because it isn’t available in pillform and is tightly protected in hospitals. In most cases, morphine can be administered by intravenous drip. Because it's easier for doctors and nurses to get morphine, they are more likely than others to develop a morphine dependency. Misuse of morphine, as with all opioids, can quickly spiral outof control.
These drugs, which are often related, were among the top ten most addictive substances in terms of overdose deaths between 2011 and 2016. Many people don’t know the addictive potential these drugs have, even though they are prescribed to them by doctors.
Never allow others to take your medication. Methadone may cause harm or death to people who are taking it, especially children. Make sure that methadone is kept safe from others. Methadone must not be accessible to children. To find out if you have any missing medication, keep track of the number of tablets and liquids left. Any methadone tablets, or oral solution, that are not required to be disposed of properly should be done according to the instructions.
FALSE. The liver does not break down or process methadone. Methadone is far easier to process than many other types. Methadone is safe to be taken by those with severe liver disease and hepatitis.
FALSE. Methadone has no adverse effects on the body, unlike heroin and other opiates. Although methadone is non-toxic, it can still be harmful if used in excess. The same goes for other opioids, such as heroin, which can cause serious side effects. Methadone is safer that street opiates, as it is prescribed by a doctor and is administered orally. Opiates on the street often contain harmful additives, which are used to "cut off" the drug. This puts users at high risk for blood transmissible diseases when intravenously taken.